Senior Engineer, Naval Architect

J.D. Irving, Limited; Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading marine engineering firm in Halifax is looking for a Senior Naval Architect to join their Hull Engineering team. You will contribute to national shipbuilding programs and lead engineering milestones on advanced naval vessels. The ideal candidate must have advanced education in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering, proven ship design experience, and the ability to work independently. This is a full-time, in-office role requiring technical oversight and mentoring of junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in ship design and construction, preferably in naval or commercial shipbuilding.
• Strong leadership and communication skills are critical for this role.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical oversight and support across all phases of ship design and construction.
• Lead engineering efforts during ship launch, dockings, inclining experiments, and performance trials.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of knowledge sharing and technical excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Ship design

Complex marine mechanical systems

Independence

Mentorship

Education

Advanced education in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering

Job description

Are you a seasoned Naval Architect with a passion for complex marine systems and a drive to shape the future of Canada’s maritime fleet? We’re looking for aSenior Naval Architectto join our Hull Engineering team and play a pivotal role in the design, construction, and delivery of Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard vessels.

This is your opportunity to contribute to national shipbuilding programs, lead critical engineering milestones, and mentor the next generation of marine engineers—all while working on some of the most advanced vessels in the country.

Qualifications

• Advanced education in Naval Architecture or Marine Engineering.
• Proven experience in ship design and construction—preferably in naval or commercial shipbuilding.
• Deep understanding of complex marine mechanical systems.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• A passion for mentoring and developing engineering talent.

Due to the nature of work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Please note this position requires a full-time, in-office presence.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical oversight and support across all phases of ship design and construction
• Lead engineering efforts during ship launch, dockings, inclining experiments, and performance trials.
• Originate complex engineering deliverables and statements of work for subcontractors.
• Review and approve technical products from internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Develop and document engineering processes and procedures.
• Identify and mitigate risks within your discipline.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of knowledge sharing and technical excellence.